Aviation

C&S is one of the most diverse and capable aviation consulting firms in the U.S.

With more than 100 experts, C&S has one of the largest aviation groups in the country. Airports are our main business and we have spent 50 years refining our approach to delivering excellent aviation consulting. We are one of the most experienced and trusted firms in the country. From airfield pavements to terminal buildings to landside infrastructure to master and sustainability planning, C&S has the capacity and the experience to manage any assignment. With seasoned professionals in airfield and landside engineering, planning, architecture, sustainability, grants, construction services, land use and market strategies, and other specialized disciplines, we help clients realize the vision they have for their airports.

C&S designs all aspects of airfield infrastructure, including airfield pavements, access roadways, drainage, lighting, signage, fencing, structures, navaids, and more. We design rehabilitations and new construction of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking aprons using both bituminous and Portland cement concrete. We have the capability to manage all sizes of pavement projects—from reconstruction of entire runways at hub facilities to small aprons at general aviation airports and everything in between.

Our air quality experts help capital projects proceed without delays caused by air quality or environmental concerns. We focus on early identification and coordination with stakeholders such as the FAA, national and state regulatory agencies, and community groups. On-staff grant specialists maximize available funding, develop documentation requirements, and ensure proper closeout. Our services include:

C&S develops realistic, implementable master plans that address an airport’s value and relationship to the surrounding community and balance impacts on people and the environment. We take a holistic approach to planning that considers more than just mandated requirements, including integrating important factors like sustainability, business planning, and funding opportunities. We pioneered the field of sustainable master plans and are known nationwide for sustainability planning. We also prepare airport layout plan updates and narrative reports, which can be economical and time-efficient alternatives to a full master plan. As part of the ALP update process, we develop forecasts that are realistic and forward thinking to ensure development is justified and cost-effective. We also consider environmental conditions, preventing time-consuming surprises during the NEPA process.

We create a comprehensive strategy that involves developing “big ideas” for long-term development that can also be implemented incrementally in both a sustainable and financially feasible way. We advise airport clients from start to finish for terminal development, conduct site selection studies, prepare high-level requirements and alternatives during the master plan process, formulate demand capacity analysis and develop program requirements during program definition, and act as strategic advisors during design and construction. C&S is a leader in developing and using the latest technology for analysis. We can create in-house demand/capacity analysis specific to any airport, or we can use current industry standard applications, depending on the needs. We use aircraft simulation tools to understand aircraft movement on the airfield and apron areas. We have 3D visualization tools to help clients and stakeholders understand complex facilities and issues.

Achieving a quality-built project is the responsibility of C&S’s construction managers. In recognition of the unique nature of the aviation industry, we have a full-time staff of construction managers, inspectors, and support staff who only work on aviation-related projects. Our construction team is OSHA certified and has training and certification in P-401. We use the latest in intelligent construction techniques, including employing equipment like the GPS rover for grade control and measurements. Our construction team’s involvement occurs throughout the design process, focusing on three areas—constructability, cost, and schedule. This gives design personnel and the sponsor the realities of a contractor’s perspective; feedback on construction phasing, methods, materials, and specifications; and contract packaging. Before construction, the team develops a detailed construction management plan that defines quality assurance for the project and quality control for our team. Once construction starts, our team focuses on the project’s “triple constraint”—quality, cost, and schedule. We encourage a partnering environment and work closely with contractors throughout the life of the project. C&S is an extension of your staff for the duration of the project, and your eyes and ears on the construction site. We use e-Construction for both document and photo management, and our inspection reports and records are stored in the cloud so that they are accessible anywhere.

A centralized receiving and distribution center (CRDC) can be a solution for streamlining the processing of goods coming into an airport. C&S designs state-of-the-art CRDC buildings that enable airports to consolidate many scattered operations and staff into one location for increased efficiency and reduced costs. It also allows for implementation of one, clearly defined screening process—helping eliminate gaps in security. CRDCs are effective for all sizes of hub airport and creative financing options can make these facilities a reality even if they are not on the CIP. For example, public-private partnerships allow an airport to maximize CIP funds for critical airport infrastructure. Partnering with a private developer, an airport can set up a number of leaseback or installment payment options to benefit both partners over the course of many years.

C&S is at the forefront of integrating sustainability into airport capital projects and everyday operations. Our skilled sustainability professionals (including Envision Sustainability Professionals and LEED Accredited Professionals) implement sustainable plans, designs, and construction projects that can greatly reduce resource consumption and environmental impacts. By incorporating sustainable philosophies early, the initial cost can be kept in balance, and substantial savings over the life of the project can be realized. We also offer tools for their implementation such as guidance to achieve federal approval and assistance with funding, including eligibility for AIP funding. Our services include

Sustainability management plans and sustainable airport master plans.

Waste and recycling plans, including waste audits.

Integrating sustainability into design and construction projects.

Air quality management plans and climate action plans, including air emissions inventories.

Our dedicated full-time aviation grant administrators manage the entire process required to secure funding. Grant applications, reimbursement requests, supporting documentation, and submittal of required FAA forms can rapidly consume the already overextended staff of even the largest airport. We prepare applications and all other required federal and state paperwork associated with planning, engineering, and construction projects. All that the sponsor has to do is sign in the proper locations, and C&S takes care of the rest. Our clients receive on-time and regular reimbursements from the FAA and state-level agencies. We administer the entire grant process for many of our airport sponsors, conducting regular programming meetings with FAA Airport District Office personnel, and working closely with FAA headquarters and regional staff.

Our specialized navaids and electrical systems engineers have designed installations for all types of airfield lighting and navigational systems, including runway and taxiway edge lighting; LED lighting; in-pavement edge, centerline, and touchdown zone lights; guidance signs; visual aids such as REIL and PAPI systems; and instrument landing systems. These projects have included all related electrical power distribution, controls, equipment installations, and stand-alone airfield electrical buildings. In addition, we design emergency power systems, including stand-by generators and transfer equipment. We have designed airfield signage and marking plans and designed runway and taxiway lighting systems at nearly 100 airport facilities. We know the rules, what systems work best, and can expedite the process.

Our architects and engineers design additions, renovations, and new construction of a wide variety of aviation facilities, including terminal buildings, hangars, centralized receiving and distribution centers, ARFF facilities, equipment storage and sand storage buildings. Our in-house facilities group includes specialists in structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site/civil, sustainability, space planning, and more. We can manage the planning, design, and construction of an entire facility or provide strategic services in conjunction with other team members. We have experience with many delivery methods, including design-build and public-private partnerships that can help reduce costs and get projects built more effectively.

C&S advises airports on strategic positioning, planning, and development of their real estate. We employ sophisticated analytical and implementation tools complemented by our years of diverse market experience to support client decision making to fully leverage collateral assets. Our comprehensive services focus on formulating market strategies to optimize land use and to further airports’ financial goals and objectives for office, industrial, retail, restaurant, commercial services and hotel projects among others. Our value-added approach typically includes four primary activities: portfolio reviews, market assessments, development strategy, and implementation services.

C&S assists airports with aircraft and ground maintenance equipment fueling needs, including planning, permitting, design, and construction of various types of fuel facilities. We are familiar with the codes that govern the environmental, fire protection, and fuel quality issues associated with the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids. C&S has specific experience with self-service fueling systems, a feature that can boost a facility’s revenue and attract new business. Other features we have incorporated into airport fuel facilities include: multi-purpose facilities (e.g., combined aviation and automotive fuels); shop and field fabricated storage tanks; above and below ground installations; and fire protection systems.

C&S and our QuieterHome and QuieterSchool Programs are known nationwide for our outstanding program and construction management capabilities. Our 26-year track record includes experience with more than 20 noise mitigation programs, including more than 20,000 successfully treated homes and dozens of schools and houses of worship. Addressing the impact of increased aircraft noise on an airport’s surrounding community is no small task. With that in mind, C&S designed our approach to help clients sensitively turn that challenge into a solution. Our program management capabilities take the burden off of our clients, enhancing the level of service that residents receive while strengthening ties among residents, the airport, and local agencies. We see projects through from initiation to construction closeout, keeping clients informed at all stages of the process.